February 6, 2008

It's fair to say most people (including me until I began researching this documentary) have been thoroughly brainwashed into believing economic growth is a noble and universal goal. And most believe that, conversely, recession is a bad, bad thing.

One must really step back and look at the big picture to recognize that perpetual economic growth is impossible in a finite system like planet Earth.

Former president Clinton's remarks on the topic generated some controversy, although most conservative bloggers and media quoted him out of context in order to discredit him for advocating an economic slowdown. It turns out that is exactly what the planet needs, but we have a long way to go in helping the public to understand this. Our documentary, Hooked on Growth, will be an excellent educational tool for this. The fact so many felt promoting an economic slowdown is both baffling and would discredit the former president tells us a lot about the conventional wisdom (myth) about economic growth entrenched in our societal thinking.

Meanwhile, there has been some interesting humor on this subject I think you'll enjoy.

Check out Jay Leno's monologue about Bill Clinton's remark on the Feb. 4 Tonight Show:

Also see this attempt at humor on the subject at Spiked.com, and this excellent followup.


Dave